Pandora's Box

Im sure you all don't need reminding about the story of Pandora's box.

The most important bit I think is right at the end.
She has opened the box and let out, old age, disease, war, death, then she shut the box.
A little voice asking to be let out, this was the voice of hope, hope said, you have to let me out, the world isn't complete without me.

Ive always loved this story and as a child Im sure my mum would tell you that I used to make up a dance to the story in our back garden.

It seems more important than ever now.

After joining a cancer website community, I posted a link to this blog, I have just read a couple of responses I have had, and one in particular made my eyes water, from a girl who also is going through exactly the same thing.

I knew that people out there were going through the same thing but to finally make contact is something beyond words. Lets just say it's precious. All of a sudden you don't feel alone.

This has given me new hope, that its not all doom and gloom, and although yes its going to be tough but mums cancer could respond to the chemo and extend her life beyond what we think. Its just staying positive that maybe is the key.

Nearly a year ago now a friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer, she lost her battle just a few months later, when I heard the news from her son, I cried. When I went to visit, I cried.
The tears wern't for myself, it was weird, it was the first time I had ever really shed tears for someone else.
After the doctors had taken away all her hope of recovery or response to treatment, I had some thoughts on hope.

Maybe you shouldnt give up hope, maybe you just change what you hope for.

I know that in my friends case, personally, I hoped for a peaceful, painless end.

So tonight, for mum and our family, I hope that we will get enough time to do what we want, say what we want, have some good times, hope that the cancer will respond to treatment, and stay under control, hope for many months yet.

Im sure I can add to this list, but right now this is all I can see, an image of Pandora, contemplating whether to let hope out of the box, I'm glad she did.